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Transcript of Storytelling and Narrative Construction in Peace and Conflict Studies

Conflict escalation and de-escalation (Ramsbotham et. al, 2011, p.13)DifferenceContradictionPolarizationViolenceWarCeasefireAgreementNormalizationReconciliationEssential QuestionsBringing Forth Hidden Narrative: Storytelling in Peace and Conflict StudiesJeff AguiarThe University of North Carolina at Greensboro"History is written by the victors."--Attributed to Winston ChurchillSome of the Players:LeadersGovernment OfficialsMediaAid AgenciesInterest GroupsWhat role does narrative play in current Western Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS)?Whose narrative guides PACS processes?Can narrative work in multiple PACS processes (e.g. mediation, negotiation and reconciliation)?Third PartiesTruth and Reconciliation CommissionsGenerally focused on fact-finding to establish "truth"Accounts from both victims and perpetratorsReinforces asymmetry in conflictCan happen with or without structural intentPerpetratorsVictimsWhat is the role of narrative in Western Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS)?How does narrative impact PACS processes?What challenges do PACS practitioners face in utilizing narrative?What opportunities exist for narrative in inter-disciplinary PACS arenas?Current literature and research highlights narrative as:PropagandaHistorical factPresent truthBy-product of PACS processesAssumptionsConflict is happening or has occurred.Multiple parties are involved.Due to protraction, most conflicts are culturally entrenched and can be connected to conflict party identity.Narrative is storytelling in a contextual or constructed manner.Applying Formal Theory to NarrativeHistoryExposition/Given CircumstancesInciting Incident/Rising ActionDifference/ContradictionRising ActionPolarization/ViolenceClimaxWarApplying formal theory creates a linear model; when overlaying the escalation/de-escalation model, very strong connections exist between narrative construction and the phases of conflict.Falling Action/ResolutionCeasefire/Normalization/Agreement

Constructed narrative utilizing formal theory generally establishes causal relationships between events and data, generally employed in negotiation, political structures and legal systems. It often neglects human elements in conflict and peacebuilding.Resolution/DenouementReconciliationMoving from 2-D to 3-DBasic Pyramid Formula (in PACS):(History)(Facts)Personal PerspectiveX(Opportunity)2XDesire or Willingness to HealChallenges in Narrative Construction in PACSIndividual Characteristic TheoryEpistemology EpistemologySocial Process TheoryAsymmetric ConflictIdentity (ethnic, social, etc...)Practical ImplicationsStructural TheoryNo Direct Action IntimatedMulti-level Approach NecessaryProtracts Solution TimetableThe Role of Narrative:The Largest Challenge:PersecutorVictimizerControlVictimResistancePersecutedHow do PACS practitioners discover hidden narrative?Current PACS processes across the globe:Allude to restorative justice & reconciliation processes including developing empathy and moving toward narrative incorporationEcho of indigenous and traditional peacebuilding practices (accepting responsibility in the conflict and circle processes)Past decade has shown application of strategies outside of ethnoterritorial conflictProfessor Dan Bar-OnPeace Research Institute in the Middle East (PRIME)Professor Sami AdwanMaureen HetheringtonThe Junction: Toward Understanding and HealingMemory Controversies in Post-Genocide RwandaBeyond the Breach: Transforming White identities in the ClassroomOpportunities and "designing a way forward"?Continue developing current research in ethno-territorial and identity-based conflict, searching for hidden and neglected narrativeStrengthening ties between western and indigenous/traditional peacebuilding practiceExplore inter-disciplinary research centered around conflict management and resolution, including feminist theoretical structure, social and behavioral health methodologies, faith-based practices and transformative education.AntagonistProtagonistElisabeth KingMarc D. RichAaron Castelan CargileRetrieved November 18, 2013 from http://marriagecoaches.wordpress.com/helpful-articles/REFERENCESAlkirnawi, Jamal. (n.d.). Storytelling as a tool in working with groups in conflict: The approach and the practical aspects in relating to Jews and Bedouin in the Negev. Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Be'er Sheva, Israel.

Bar-On, D. (2008). Dealing with the past in Israel-Palestine and in the Western Balkans. Proceedings from Story-telling in Conflict: Developing Practice and Research. Berlin, GER: Berghof Research Center for Constructive Conflict Management.

Bar-On, D. & Kassem, F. (2004). Storytelling as a way to work-through intractable conflicts. The TRT German-Jewish experience and its relevance to the Palestinian—Israeli context. Journal of Social Issues, 60(2), 289-306. DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-4537.2004.00112.x

Tabbush, C. (2009). The possibilities for and constraints on agency: situating women’s public and ‘hidden’ voices in Greater Buenos Aires. Journal of International Development, 21, 838-882. DOI: 10.1002/jid.1624